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General News

21 March, 2024

Booktown set to return this weekend

From learning how to create a literary masterpiece to hearing notable authors discuss their craft, there’s plenty on the shelf at this year’s Clunes Booktown festival — which for the first time in a decade, is free to attend. One can indeed...

By Prealene Khera

Creative Clunes CEO Sue Beal is expecting to see 12,000 visitors at the Booktown festival.
Creative Clunes CEO Sue Beal is expecting to see 12,000 visitors at the Booktown festival.

From learning how to create a literary masterpiece to hearing notable authors discuss their craft, there’s plenty on the shelf at this year’s Clunes Booktown festival — which for the first time in a decade, is free to attend.

One can indeed judge this event by its past covers, which since 2007, has truly put the town on the map, bringing in 18,000 visitors at its peak.

This year, for its 18th chapter, the festival will see about 100 booksellers making their way to Collins Place, instead of their usual spot along Fraser Street.

Apart from bookish pursuits, attendees will also be able to explore other forms of storytelling with music and art on offer throughout the weekend.

Creative Clunes CEO Sue Beal said there has been a strong response to the program and also urged people to take advantage of the zero entry fee.

“The barriers are coming down this year so everyone can enjoy free music [and] browse for books,” she said.

“We’re also very happy with the amount of booksellers we have this year too — we couldn’t fit in any more.”

Designed to appeal to everyone’s literary tastes, the two-day program consists of ticketed author talks, live entertainment, kids activities and workshops.

Festival highlights include panels and events with renowned authors at the helm — Helen Garner, Richard Gilbert, Kate Hall, Sam Drummond, Nova Weetman, Sarah Myles and Nornie Bero will feature in conversations, among others.

For people who think they have a book in them, there’ll be an opportunity to explore seminars on kickstarting your novel, writing a memoir, and practical tips on self-publishing.

Complementing these events with music, bands like Twilight Gypsi, Smokey Town, Creswick Brass Band and One Part Gin will also take up the stage.

Clunes Booktown will kick off tomorrow, Saturday, March 23 and will run until Sunday, March 24 —entry is free but tickets may be required for certain events.

To view the full program, visit www.clunesbooktown.com.au.

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